Meet the newest Twins

Last update: January 29, 2008 - 10:44 PM

CARLOS GOMEZ

CF • Age: 22

Born: Santiago, Dominican Republic

Bats: Right • Throws: Right • Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 195

The skinny: One of the game's fastest players, and a superb defensive center fielder. He will compete for a starting job in spring training, but he's not a lock to make the roster. He batted only .232 in 58 games with the Mets in 2007, struggling to hit major league breaking pitches. But he's deemed to have tremendous potential.

Did you know? He signed with the Mets in 2002 as a 16-year-old.

DEOLIS GUERRA

SP • Age: 18 • Born: San Felix, Venezuela

Bats: Right • Throws: Right • Ht.: 6-5 • Wt.: 224

The skinny: Has staff ace potential, although he is at least a couple seasons away from the majors. His fastball reaches 90-94, and his velocity should rise as he fills out his lanky frame. He has a major league changeup, but his curveball needs work. He never has pitched above Class A. He missed some time last year, and was on a strict 60-70 pitch count, because of shoulder tendinitis.

Did you know? Guerra received a $700,000 bonus from the Mets in 2005. Like Johan Santana, Guerra hails from Venezuela.

PHILIP HUMBER

SP • Age: 25 • Born: Nacogdoches, Texas

Bats: Right • Throws: Right • Ht.; 6-4 • Wt.: 210

The skinny: The No. 3 overall selection in the 2004 draft underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2005 -- his first season of professional baseball. He returned in midseason 2006 and his fastball hit the low 90s by season's end. He was 11-9 at AAA last year, striking out 120 in 139 innings. He has three major league pitches -- fastball, curve and change -- and should contend for a spot in the Twins rotation.

Did you know? He started the final game of the 2003 College World Series for Rice, when the Owls beat Stanford 14-2 for the title.

KEVIN MULVEY

SP • Age: 22

Born: Perlin, N.J.

Bats: Right • Throws: Right

Ht.; 6-4 • Wt.: 195

The skinny: Not overpowering, but has good control and movement of a sinking fastball that reaches the 90-91 mph range. He's not likely to ever be a staff ace, but these stats should give him a shot at cracking the rotation: five homers and 48 walks in 1722/3 minor league innings. He was 11-10 with a 3.32 ERA in 26 starts at Class AA Binghampton last year.

Did you know? Was a second-round pick in the 2006 draft after pitching at Villanova.

DENNIS BRACKIN